Collyer's Mansion

Store History

Founded:
December 2012

Founded by:
Mauri Weakley and Ben Heemskerk

In our Brooklyn shop we curate a thoughtful collection of home furnishings and gifts from local, as well as international, craftspeople. We believe that practical does not mean ordinary, beautiful is not opposed to being useful, and rich does not necessarily equal expensive. We enjoy the adventure of finding that perfect ceramic bowl; the entrancing hand-woven wall tapestry; the sophisticated, yet simple, rocks glass; that perfect-for-your-home mid-century Danish credenza; or the straight-forward, yet endearing, birthday card.
And, if we can’t find it, we make it! With Collyer's Mansion throw pillows, linen napkins, tablecloths, and tableware, we are able to express our sense of style and decor. Also, be on the lookout for Collyer’s Mansion furniture, curtains, and bags in the very near future!

The owners of Brooklyn shop Collyer's Mansion, Mauri Weakley and Ben Heemskerk, love nothing more than scouring flea markets and little known shops for unique finds for their home. Their collection of goods began to grow so much that they decided to open a shop. And thus, Collyer's Mansion was born.

Name/Title: Mauri Weakley and Ben Heemskerk/Owners

Open Date: December 2012

Inspiration for opening: We’ve always loved scouring flea markets and discovering wonderful off the beaten path shops, to buy those special things for our home. But you can only fit so much in a 1-bedroom Brooklyn apartment. With the store it’s limitless!

Merchandise source: We work with a great roster of small companies from New York to California, Belgium to Japan, producing well-crafted, beautiful objects focusing on both form and function. In addition, we also produce our own small collections of table linens, throw pillows, and refurbished antique furniture.

Best selling item: Our stock is ever rotating and changing, but in general our lighting fixtures sell really well. There are a lot of first time home owners in this neighborhood, Ditmas Park, and the apartments tend to be slightly larger allowing more space to decorate and create the perfect home. A chandelier, pendant light or table lamp is a great way to put your own special mark on your space without knocking down a wall.

Your favorite item: Mauri: Ooh that's a tough one! I love all of the textiles but I suppose my favorite would be the ones we make in house as part of the Collyer’s Mansion line. We have such a blast sourcing fabrics and putting small collections together for the store, and it's really inspiring getting to make the things you want for yourself and having other people fall for them as well.

Ben: I love traveling and finding our vintage art! Sometimes when you see a piece of art at auction or at a flea market you just fall in love with it and got to have it. And since I have no idea about the modern art world I am free to just get the pieces that I like to look at or I think are interesting.

Favorite store (other than your own): Well who doesn't love walking into John Derian. And we love Lucille's, an antiques center in Mauri’s hometown back in Tennessee, where there's always a good deal to be found! And strolling the streets of Haarlem, Holland, meeting local shopkeepers and getting inspired by the amazing old Dutch architecture and artistry!